Author: Jillian Boisse
Grade Level: 10
Course: College Prep. Biology
Purpose of Unit
Photosynthesis could arguably be the most important biological process on Earth. It yields oxygen and consumes carbon dioxide which has helped to transform the world as we know it into a habitable environment. Directly or indirectly, photosynthesis fills all of our food requirements and many of our needs for fiber and building materials. The energy stored in petroleum, natural gas and coal all came from the sun via photosynthesis, as does the energy in firewood, which is a major fuel in many parts of the world.This being the case, scientific research into photosynthesis is vitally important. If we can understand and control the intricacies of the photosynthetic process, we can learn how to increase crop yields of food, fiber, wood, and fuel, and how to better use our lands. The energy-harvesting secrets of plants can be adapted to man-made systems which provide new, efficient ways to collect and use solar energy. Because photosynthesis helps control the makeup of our atmosphere, understanding photosynthesis is crucial to understanding how carbon dioxide and other "greenhouse gases" affect the global climate. Photosynthesis plays a major role in our environment and if students can become knowledgeable of some of the basic concepts of photosynthesis, they may have a better understanding of what it means for our future.
The purpose of this unit is to teach students about photosynthesis and its components. The students will gain insight on the anatomy of chloroplasts, the light dependent reactions, an in-depth analysis of photosystems I and II, the carbon-fixation reactions, and plant classification. Plant classification is included in this unit to expose students to the larger idea of photosynthesis (in leaves..simple, compound) because most of the time will be spent on the concept of photosynthesis on a molecular level. Throughout the unit, students will perform a variety of activities and laboratory experiments including a chromatography lab and a lab that focuses on the rate of photosynthesis. Students will also learn why photosynthesis is so important and how it relates to their lives. This unit consists of 8 total lessons for 90 minute class periods.
Science can be an intimidating subject, filled with science jargon and complicated experiments but when you stop and take it one step at a time, it can be very interesting and enjoyable. Photosynthesis is an intricate process with a lot of details that all connect to form one coherent story. Photosynthesis is an important aspect of our lives, from the food we eat to the paper we write on, all include photosynthesis on some level. This unit walks students through photosynthesis step-by-step; covering chloroplasts, light spectrum, light-dependent reactions, light-independent reactions, and C3, C4, CAM pathways. The last lesson focuses on plant classification. The lesson covers types of leaves and characteristics of how plants are classified/can be described. Students will also use a dichotomous key to key out a leaf from an "unknown" species. To help students see just how important photosynthesis is to the world, I will have them read news articles on current photosynthesis developments and write a personal reaction.
Throughout the unit, students will complete a number of assessments. Students will illustrate, and compare and contrast a variety of processes involved in photosynthesis, as well as respond to thought-provoking questions and statements during class discussions. Some sort of exit activity will also take place at the end of each lesson. These consist of a short graphic organizer or reaction response. This provides a way for students to make sure they know what the "take away points" were for that class and it also gives me a chance to see where students stand on the material that was presented that day; if I need to slow down or move forward. They will also research a scientist and their respective experiment(s) they conducted regarding photosynthesis and present a brief overview of their findings while filling out a graphic organizer (see lesson 2). Students will also complete two laboratory experiments where they will make a hypothesis, conduct an investigation, collect data, write a conclusion, and answer questions about their results. Lastly, students will complete an end of the unit test. The test will consist of all the information covered during the unit [light spectrum, chloroplasts, light-dependent reactions, light-independent reactions, plant classification, etc.]. The test format will be multiple choice, short answer, fill in, labeling, and essay.
The last time students were exposed to plants and photosynthesis was middle school and maybe briefly in Earth science. This unit was based on the fact that all the students have a basic idea of what photosynthesis is and could maybe name what some of the reactants and products are. Emphasis will be placed on the compounds involved and the different reactions that occur. The way the lessons are sequenced helps students learn about photosynthesis as a sequential story rather than just a bunch of reactions; it helps them see how all the reactions affect one another. Having students complete the laboratory experiments, in-class assignments, and asking thought-provoking questions during class discussions or when presenting new material helps students pause and think about the topics at hand. Requiring students to write or say how they feel about the material is a way to get students actively involved in the lessons. By having students read real-life articles, perform laboratory experiments, and complete a variety of activities that incorporate a numerous learning styles, students have a number of opportunities to make personal connections to the material.
Title: Photosynthesis and Plant Classification
Author: Jillian Boisse
Grade Level: 10
Course: College Prep. Biology
Purpose of Unit
Photosynthesis could arguably be the most important biological process on Earth. It yields oxygen and consumes carbon dioxide which has helped to transform the world as we know it into a habitable environment. Directly or indirectly, photosynthesis fills all of our food requirements and many of our needs for fiber and building materials. The energy stored in petroleum, natural gas and coal all came from the sun via photosynthesis, as does the energy in firewood, which is a major fuel in many parts of the world.This being the case, scientific research into photosynthesis is vitally important. If we can understand and control the intricacies of the photosynthetic process, we can learn how to increase crop yields of food, fiber, wood, and fuel, and how to better use our lands. The energy-harvesting secrets of plants can be adapted to man-made systems which provide new, efficient ways to collect and use solar energy. Because photosynthesis helps control the makeup of our atmosphere, understanding photosynthesis is crucial to understanding how carbon dioxide and other "greenhouse gases" affect the global climate. Photosynthesis plays a major role in our environment and if students can become knowledgeable of some of the basic concepts of photosynthesis, they may have a better understanding of what it means for our future.The purpose of this unit is to teach students about photosynthesis and its components. The students will gain insight on the anatomy of chloroplasts, the light dependent reactions, an in-depth analysis of photosystems I and II, the carbon-fixation reactions, and plant classification. Plant classification is included in this unit to expose students to the larger idea of photosynthesis (in leaves..simple, compound) because most of the time will be spent on the concept of photosynthesis on a molecular level. Throughout the unit, students will perform a variety of activities and laboratory experiments including a chromatography lab and a lab that focuses on the rate of photosynthesis. Students will also learn why photosynthesis is so important and how it relates to their lives. This unit consists of 8 total lessons for 90 minute class periods.
Learning Performances and Standards
Jillian's Photosynthesis and Plant Classification Learning PerformancesOutline, Concept Map, or other Graphical Representation of the Concepts Addressed in the Unit
Jillian's Photosynthesis and Plant Classification Concept MapLesson Sequence
Assessment Plan
Formative AssessmentsSummative Assessment
Rationale
Science can be an intimidating subject, filled with science jargon and complicated experiments but when you stop and take it one step at a time, it can be very interesting and enjoyable. Photosynthesis is an intricate process with a lot of details that all connect to form one coherent story. Photosynthesis is an important aspect of our lives, from the food we eat to the paper we write on, all include photosynthesis on some level. This unit walks students through photosynthesis step-by-step; covering chloroplasts, light spectrum, light-dependent reactions, light-independent reactions, and C3, C4, CAM pathways. The last lesson focuses on plant classification. The lesson covers types of leaves and characteristics of how plants are classified/can be described. Students will also use a dichotomous key to key out a leaf from an "unknown" species. To help students see just how important photosynthesis is to the world, I will have them read news articles on current photosynthesis developments and write a personal reaction.
Throughout the unit, students will complete a number of assessments. Students will illustrate, and compare and contrast a variety of processes involved in photosynthesis, as well as respond to thought-provoking questions and statements during class discussions. Some sort of exit activity will also take place at the end of each lesson. These consist of a short graphic organizer or reaction response. This provides a way for students to make sure they know what the "take away points" were for that class and it also gives me a chance to see where students stand on the material that was presented that day; if I need to slow down or move forward. They will also research a scientist and their respective experiment(s) they conducted regarding photosynthesis and present a brief overview of their findings while filling out a graphic organizer (see lesson 2). Students will also complete two laboratory experiments where they will make a hypothesis, conduct an investigation, collect data, write a conclusion, and answer questions about their results. Lastly, students will complete an end of the unit test. The test will consist of all the information covered during the unit [light spectrum, chloroplasts, light-dependent reactions, light-independent reactions, plant classification, etc.]. The test format will be multiple choice, short answer, fill in, labeling, and essay.
The last time students were exposed to plants and photosynthesis was middle school and maybe briefly in Earth science. This unit was based on the fact that all the students have a basic idea of what photosynthesis is and could maybe name what some of the reactants and products are. Emphasis will be placed on the compounds involved and the different reactions that occur. The way the lessons are sequenced helps students learn about photosynthesis as a sequential story rather than just a bunch of reactions; it helps them see how all the reactions affect one another. Having students complete the laboratory experiments, in-class assignments, and asking thought-provoking questions during class discussions or when presenting new material helps students pause and think about the topics at hand. Requiring students to write or say how they feel about the material is a way to get students actively involved in the lessons. By having students read real-life articles, perform laboratory experiments, and complete a variety of activities that incorporate a numerous learning styles, students have a number of opportunities to make personal connections to the material.
EDC 430 F08 Unit Plan Eval - Jill B